Tilden Nature Area

• About The Park
• Park Calendar
• Park Features / Visitor Center
• Park Activities
• Park Accessibility
• To Reach The Park
• Park Map [PDF]
• Trail Map

About The Park

Tilden Nature Area is a 740-acre preserve located just North of Tilden Regional Park. With over 10 miles of hiking trails, the preserve contains a blend of native and introduced plant communities, including oak/bay woodlands, grasslands, eucalyptus forests, and streams. Hikes range from the leisurely, self-guided Jewel Lake Nature Trail to a vigorous climb up Wildcat Peak (elevation 1,211 ft.) for panoramic, San Francisco Bay views. A 750-foot boardwalk through the woods leads to Jewel Lake, a historic reservoir and waterworks, and a peaceful place to watch wildlife.

At Tilden Nature Area one can also find the renowned Environmental Education Center (EEC), headquarters for the area's interpretive programs, and the historic Little Farm.

Park Hours

Park Calendar

• Tilden Nature Area Activity Calendar
• Tilden Regional Park Area Activity Calendar
• Tilden Regional Park, Regional Parks Botanic Garden - Activity Calendar
• All Activities Calendar

Park Features

Environmental Education Center (EEC)

The naturalist staff offers interpretive programs throughout the year. Thousands of urban youngsters have learned their first lessons about nature at the EEC, or met their first farm animal at the Little Farm next door. Naturalist-guided programs for school groups and other organized groups are available Tuesday through Friday by advance registration. See the Field Trips page for details, or call the EEC at (510) 544-2233. Weekend programs provide exciting opportunities to learn about natural and cultural history throughout the Park District's Northwest region. Go to our program guide Web page to download our monthly program guide for a list of upcoming activities.

Inside the EEC you can explore exhibits that tell the story of the Wildcat Creek Watershed, find information on park activities, and purchase nature-related books and materials at the nature center store. 

Little Farm

The Little Farm was built in 1955 and features a variety of farm animals including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens and pigs. Several heritage breeds are preserved here, including Milking Shorthorn Cattle. Visitors are welcome to bring lettuce or celery (but nothing else) to feed the animals. Download the Little Farm Brochure.

Park Activities

Bikes

All bikes are prohibited in the area of the Tilden's Environmental Education Center (EEC) and Little Farm, or on any single track trails in the Tilden Nature Area. To access Wildcat Creek Trail from the south, bikers must use the loop road above the EEC and Little Farm to Jewel Lake. Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the Laurel fire road connecting the Nimitz Way to the loop road.

Camping

Two group campsites are located in Tilden Nature Area--New Woodland (capacity 50) and Wildcat View (capacity 75), both located about one-quarter mile from the end of Lone Oak Road off Central Park Drive. For reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2. All reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance. 

Dogs

Dogs are  NOT  permitted in the Tilden Nature Area. 
Visit our  Dog Information  page! 

Park Accessibility

The Environmental Education Center (EEC) is accessible to persons with disabilities. It has accessible parking and facilities.

To Reach The Park

• From Hwy 80 , take the University Avenue exit in Berkeley. Follow University towards the hills, turn left onto Oxford St. Turn right onto Rose St. Turn left onto Spruce St. Follow Spruce up the hill, you will reach a stop sign at the top of the hill, proceed through the intersection and turn immediately left down Canon Dr. At the bottom of Canon, veer left onto Central Park Drive and follow into the parking lot for the Nature Area.
• From Hwy 24 , exit at Fish Ranch Road. Take Fish Ranch Road to Grizzly Peak Blvd and turn right. Continue on Grizzly Peak Blvd. until you come to the intersection of Spruce Street, Wildcat Canyon Road and Canon Drive. Turn right on Wildcat Canyon Rd, then immediately make a sharp left down Canon Drive. At the bottom of the hill, veer left onto Central Park Drive and follow into the parking lot for the Nature Area.

Click here for public transit information.

Trail Map

Click the map image below to see an enlarged version.

• Park Map [PDF]